Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 672

Gregory to Boniface, bishop of Reggio. It doubtless befits priestly gravity that, if he should have any cases involving his Church, he settle them without delay, either by peaceful arrangement, if it can be done, or at least by the intervention of judgement, so that, the material of contention being removed from their midst, only the concord of peace may be able to abide for him with his sons. Now our glorious son Gregory, the ex-prefect, has indicated to us that some contention has arisen between himself and your Church concerning certain properties that are in dispute. For which reason we exhort you to end it, either by the ceasing of the quarrel, or at least, delay being set aside, by having the agents of your Church go to the judgement of chosen arbiters;

so that, their determination going before, neither may he seem to be burdened contrary to justice, nor your Church to sustain prejudice. But because he wished his men and the possessions which he has yonder to be commended to you, it is fitting that your Charity should not omit to expend itself in his affairs, whatever reason may invite. And so let it hasten to aid him in whatever it can, so that, with you concurring, he may not perceive himself to be absent from his own interests. Gregory to John and Fortunatus, bishops, and to Anthemius, subdeacon. Those things which it befits us to bestow upon our sons unbidden, we ought not to deny them when they ask.

And therefore, since our glorious son Gregory, the ex-prefect, has taken pains to have commended by us to your Fraternity the possessions which he has yonder, and his men, we exhort you by this present letter that you ought, with reason preserved, to concur with his advantages, and to protect his possessions and men, as he desires; nor should you suffer them to be harried by anyone contrary to justice, or to be aggrieved. But do this, that by your protection you may be able to make up for the presence of our aforesaid son, because, as you know, he showed himself so well to all that they deserve to have every comfort.